Brees signed a long-term deal with the Saints, surely under the impression that Payton will be back. If he’s not, that will be a problem.

And even if Commissioner Roger Goodell doesn’t merit blame for an outcome that would result in Payton leaving, plenty of fans will blame Goodell — especially if Brees vents his frustration by pointing to the entire bounty fiasco as the first domino that resulted in Payton leaving town.

So, yes, things are going to getting very interesting as the end of the season approaches.

Lure Cowher back as head coach. Then hire Norv Turner after he’s canned. He can’t coach a team, but he can coach an offense. Anything less than this combo in New Orleans would send us back to the dark ages (pre katrina era).